ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Mines
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and United States of America on cooperation in the field of Geology
Geological knowledge regarding Eastern Himalaya Syntaxis and Ladakh Plutons to get boost
Will facilitate Exchange of information on technology and geoscientific data
, Ministry of Mines, the Government of the Republic of India, and the Florida International University  board of trustees on behalf of its Department of Earth and Environment, College of Arts, Sciences and Education, United States of America on cooperation in field of Geology.
The identified area of cooperation between the two Participants will be as follows:
a. Development of the geological knowledge, research regarding geologic and tectonic environment of post collisions magmatism in India-Asia collisional margin, geologic history and tectonics of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis.
b. Developing cooperative projects in the fields of regional geological, geochemical, petrological and multi-isotopic studies related to the evolution of post collisional magmatic belts .
c. Exchange of information on technology and geoscientific data.
d. Other areas of mutual interest to be decided upon by the Parties.
Benefits:
The MoU will provide an institutional mechanism between Geological Survey of India  and the Florida International University  on cooperation in the field of Geology.
Objectives:
The objectives of the MoU are to understand the geologic and tectonic environment of the generation and emplacement of post-collisional magmatism in India-Asia Collision margin in particular and to construct a model of post-collisional magma genesis in continental collision zones in general and to construct the geologic and tectonics of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis.
The activities involved like exchange of information on technology and geoscientific data; development of the geological knowledge, research regarding geologic and tectonic environment of post collisional magmatism in India-Asia collisional margin, geologic history and tectonics of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis; and developing cooperative projects in the fields of regional geological, geochemical, petrological and multi-isotopic studies related to the evolution of post collisional magmatic belts .
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
PERSONAL RECORD OF PENSIONERS
Government has introduced online system of pension processing and sanctioning of pensionary benefits to Central Government employees and relevant personal information is captured in the system.
Central Government Pensioners are allowed to change their name/surname in the Services Book in accordance with the instructions applicable to Government servant for change of these details in service book records during service.
Family Pension is given to family of deceased Government servant in accordance with the provisions of CCS  Rules. However a pensioner can update his family details after retirement.
Government has an online pension grievance redressal mechanism namely “CPENGRAM” and the Nodal Officers have been appointed in each Ministry/Department for handling of grievances of Pensioners.
Government has taken following steps for the welfare of Central Government Pensioners:-
- Simplification of rules and procedures for pensioners and family pensioners
- Implementation of online pension processing and sanctioning system namely “Bhavishya”
- Implementation of online Pension grievance redressal mechanism namely “CPENGRAM”
- Implementation of a Digital system for submission of life certificate “Jeevan Pramaan”
- Conducting of Pensioners Awareness Programmes and Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshops
This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves merger of Tata SIA Airlines into Air India, and acquisition of certain shareholding by Singapore Airlines in Air India
The Competition of Commission of India  has approved merger of Tata SIA Airlines into Air India, and acquisition of certain shareholding by Singapore Airlines in Air India subject to compliance of voluntary commitments offered by the parties.
The proposed combination envisages  the merger of Tata SIA Airlines Limited  into Air India Limited , with AIL being the surviving entity  and  in consideration of the merger, the acquisition of shares in the Merged Entity by Singapore Airlines Limited  and Tata Sons Private Limited  and  acquisition of additional shares in the Merged Entity by SIA pursuant to a preferential allotment.
TSPL is an investment holding company, which is registered as a core investment company with the Reserve Bank of India and classified as a “Systemically Important Non-Deposit Taking Core Investment Company. TSPL  completed the acquisition of AIL on 27 January 2022.
AIL , is engaged in the business of providing  domestic scheduled air passenger transport service,  international scheduled air passenger transport service ,  air cargo transport services; and  charter flight services.
TSAL is a joint venture between TSPL and SIA, with TSPL and SIA holding 51% and 49% of the total shareholding, respectively. TSAL operates under the brand name “Vistara”. TSAL is engaged in the business of providing the following services:  domestic scheduled air passenger transport service,  international scheduled air passenger transport service,  air cargo transport services; and  charter flight services .
SIA is the parent entity for the SIA group of companies . SIA is engaged in the business of passenger and cargo air transportation, and the principal activities of the SIA Group consist of passenger and cargo air transportation, engineering services, training of pilots, air charters, tour activities, sale of merchandise and related activities.
The CCI approved the proposed combination subject to compliance of voluntary commitments offered by the parties.
A detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Himalayan states like Uttarakhand can be fountainheads of Aromatic Start-ups: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh
CSIR is providing comprehensive handholding from product development to marketing: Dr Jitendra Singh
Himalayan States including Uttarakhand can be a fountainhead for aromatic start-ups. The geography and climatic conditions in Himalayan states favour the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants and these can be developed into Agri-tech enterprises. This is especially relevant given the recent interest in medicinal plants due to the ongoing pandemic.
This was by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh while he was interacting with Civil Society organisations today.
The Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that this interaction with the NGOs is part of an outreach programme of the Union Government to have a dialogue with those involved in social service. He added that these interactions provide valuable feedback and suggestions for the government.
The Union Minister appreciated the work being done by the organisations and said that they provide an opportunity to reach and influence people in the farthest corners of our nation. Speaking about the conducive climate of Uttarakhand for aromatic plants, the Minister said that the Union Government has started the ‘Aroma Mission’.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that CSIR is providing comprehensive handholding from product development to marketing. He said that our youth has made the nation a hub of start-ups in the last 8 years, but we need to expand our vision beyond the IT-enabled services sector and look at the Agri-tech sector for unleashing our untapped potential.
The Union Minister also advocated that the NGOs working in the health sector explore telemedicine. He added that in a hilly state like Uttarakhand such ‘Doctors-on-Wheels’ can provide not only diagnostic exams but expert consultation within an hour's time.
Dr Jitendra Singh later addressed a press briefing where he said that the last 8 years have sprung new hope in the nation’s collective psyche. He added that the massive infrastructure development in the thus far neglected North-Eastern India is a testament to the will of the government to invest in all our people. Dr Singh said that the development of railway and air infrastructure in these parts has meant the end of their isolation from the rest of India.
The Union Minister said that the focus of the government in the last years has been on employment generation and capacity building of our youth. The Union Minister further said that hard work being done for the people has led to faith in the leadership of India. He added that this new modus-operandi and a new culture of our polity have been endorsed by our citizens who have reposed their faith in the government.
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Ministry of Railways
Railways complete challenging tunnel drive of 800m in Kolkata inspite of Covid challenges
Tunneling work gets completed by Tunnel Boring Machine  in East West Metro Corridor with the breakthrough of "Urvi" at Bowbazar, Kolkata yesterday
With this breakthrough, entire TBM tunneling for East West Metro project gets completed
This stretch was very difficult for tunneling work as it had century old buildings
The tunneling work gets completed by Tunnel Boring Machine [TBM ] in East West Metro Corridor with the breakthrough of “Urvi“ at Bowbazar, Kolkata on 15.05.2021. With this breakthrough the entire TBM tunneling for the Kolkata East-West Metro Project is completed. The stretch was difficult for tunneling work as it had century old buildings. This challenging tunnel drive of 800m has been completed successfully amidst this pandemic situation following COVID-19 protocol.
The Tunnel Boring Machine ‘Urvi’ which had earlier completed East Bound tunnel from Esplanade to Sealdah on 09.10.2020 was relaunched from Sealdah after necessary refurbishment and inspection on 09.01.2021 to complete the balance 800 m tunneling work in West Bound tunnel from Sealdah to Bowbazar. This drive of tunneling has been completed and the tunnel boring machine break through at Retrieval Shaft at Bowbazar has been achieved yesterday i.e. 15.05.2021.
This TBM [Urvi] has passed below Sealdah Flyover also for which vehicular movement on the Fly over was closed for 3 days for safety reasons. After completion of this TBM drive, the tunnel boring machine ‘Urvi’ along with the other stalled TBM ‘Chandi’ will be retrieved from this retrieval shaft at Bowbazar.
Excavation of shaft after ensuring the water tightness of the shaft and the affected tunnel and retrieval of the TBMs are intricate activities which have to be done safely and hence will take time.
After completion of entire excavation, both the TBMs will be retrieved in pieces from the shaft. The RCC flooring and roofing for the shaft area will be completed thereafter and the shaft top will be backfilled to prepare the ground for overground construction.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on Awareness on Organ Donation
NOTTO provides 24 x7 tele-counselling in facilitating coordination for organ donation
The Government is taking several steps to sensitize people on the issue of deceased organ donation and transplantation. These include dissemination of information by National Organ & Tissue Transplantation Organisation , Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations  and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations , the three-tiered structure set up under the National Organ Transplant Program . A website ‘www.notto.mohfw.gov.in’ with a 24x7 call centre having a toll-free helpline number  to provide information, tele-counselling and to help in coordination for organ donation. A number of activities are organized across the country for generating awareness, such as celebration of Indian Organ Donation Day  annually, seminars, workshops, debates, sports events, walkathons, participation in marathons, nukkad natak, awareness stall in India International Trade Fair 2022, NOTTO Scientific Dialogue 2023. Other mediums include display boards on organ donation are put up outside ICUs and other strategic locations in the transplant/retrieval hospitals; advertisement in print media, dissemination of audio and audio-visual messages through social media  and electronic media. Regular programs are conducted with school children like visit to NOTTO campaign for giving them knowledge about organ donation and conducting competitions like poster making, running special pledge campaigns and slogan competitions on MyGov platform as well as national webinars on prevention of and stage organ disease  and organ & tissue donation.
As a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, organ donation is being promoted as a “Jan Andolan” through social media. In this regard a pledge campaign and slogan competition is being run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare  on MyGov platform. As a part of “Angdaan Mahotsav” initiated in the month of July 2023, various awareness programmes on deceased donor organ donation are being organized across the country. 1st National Webinar on organ and tissue donation was organized in month of July 2023 with a focus on Prevention of Kidney and Liver failure, which was attended by thousands of Medical Professionals.
A brain stem dead person can donate vital life-saving organs like heart, 2 lungs, liver, 2 kidneys, pancreas, intestine, and many tissues like corneas, skin, bone & heart valves, `cartilage, hand etc. By doing so, a deceased donor can save up to 8 lives and can improve the quality of life of many others.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
National Portal for Persons Living with Rare Diseases
The Department of Health and Family Welfare has launched a Digital Portal for Crowdfunding & Voluntary Donations for the treatment of patients of Rare Diseases in accordance with the mandate of the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021. The Digital Portal may be accessed through https://rarediseases.nhp.gov.in/
The Department of Pharmaceuticals has initiated the implementation of Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Pharmaceuticals. The Scheme provides for financial incentives to manufacturers selected under the scheme for domestic manufacturing of various product categories, which also include Orphan drugs. The guidelines for the Scheme are available on the website of the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the tab ‘Schemes’.
The Minister of State , Dr Bharti Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Department of Consumer Affairs working on bringing Hallmarking regulations under the new BIS Act 2016: Shri Ram Vilas Paswan
Shri Ram Vilas Paswan inaugurates the seminar on “Standards Make Cities Smarter” organized by BIS
Bureau of Indian Standard celebrates 48th World Standards Day
Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Ditribution, said that Department of Consumer Affairs is working on bringing Hallmarking regulations under the new BIS Act 2016. Shri Paswan commended the revision of the standards on gold jewellery with only three categories i.e, 14, 18 and 22 Karats/Carats under Hallmarking. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan stated it while inaugurating the seminar on “Standards Make Cities Smarter” organized by Bureau of Indian Standard on the occasion of 48th World Standards Day in New Delhi, today. Shri Paswan laid special emphasis on the consumer protection that would get enhanced through new Consumer Protection and the BIS Act.
Shri Ram Vilas Paswan released a pre standardization report regarding Unified, Secure & Resilient ICT Backbone for Smart Cities. Shri Paswan stated that building a smart city is a highly complex task having its own challenges and standards are the only common denominator that can simplify this task. National Standards make the smart cities work safely and smoothly. Besides, it provides important guidance for all aspects of city life, including energy-efficient buildings, intelligent transportation, and improved waste management, thereby builds sustainable communities.
Shri C.R. Chaudhary, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution emphasised on the importance of standards for international cooperation. He stated, that standards provide practical tools for tackling many of today’s global challenges, ranging from managing resources to improving the safety and quality of the life. Shri Chaudhary appreciated the active involvement of BIS in regional standardization work for developing common standards to facilitate trade.
Earlier, Shri Avinash K Shrivastava, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, in his keynote address stressed on the changing scenario and the role Bureau of Indian Standards is playing in the national and international arena.
The theme for this year’s World Standards Day “Standards Make Cities Smarter” was chosen collectively by International Organization for Standardization , International Electrotechnical Commission  and International Telecommunication Union .
Ministry of Defence
LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF TUSHIL - P1135.6 FOLLOW ON FRIGATE 
The 7th Indian Navy Frigate of P1135.6 class was launched on 28 Oct 2021 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia in presence of Shri D Bala Venkatesh Varma, Ambassador of India  and senior dignitaries of the Russian Federation and officials of the Indian Navy. During the ceremony, the ship was formally named as ‘Tushil’ by Smt Datla Vidya Varma. Tushil is a Sanskrit word meaning Protector Shield.
Based on an Inter-Governmental Agreement  between the Government of Republic of India and Government of Russian Federation for construction of two ships of Project 1135.6 ships in Russia and two ships in India at M/s Goa Shipyard Limited , the contract for construction of two ships was signed between India and Russia in Oct 18.
The construction of these ships is based on Indian Navy’s specific requirements to meet the entire spectrum of naval warfare in all three dimensions of Air, Surface and Sub-surface. The ships with a potent combination of state-of-art Indian and Russian Weapons and Sensors are equipped to operate in Littoral and Blue waters, both as a single unit and as consort in a naval task force. They feature “stealth technology” in terms of low radar and under water noise signatures. These ships are being equipped with major Indian supplied equipment such as Surface to Surface Missiles, Sonar system, Surface Surveillance Radar, Communication Suite and ASW system along with Russian Surface to Air Missiles and gun mounts.
Mr Ilya Samarin, Director General, Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, in his address dwelt upon the challenges faced by the Shipyard in executing the complex shipbuilding project. Despite challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, production of the ships was continued by utilisation of innovative solutions. He thanked the Indian Government for their unstinted support and reiterated shipyard’s commitment to deliver the ships as per contractual timelines. Shri D Bala Venkatesh Varma, Ambassador of India , highlighted the long standing tradition of Military Technical Cooperation between India and Russia. He acknowledged the efforts put in by the Yantar Shipyard to ensure that the ship was launched as per contractual timelines overcoming the challenges imposed by COVID-19.
Department of Space
Cabinet approves Continuation of Phase 4 of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle 
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved ongoing GSLV continuation programme Phase-4 consisting of five GSLV flights during the period 2021-2024.
The GSLV Programme - Phase 4 will enable the launch of 2 tonne class of satellites for Geo-imaging, Navigation, Data Relay Communication and Space Sciences.
Financial implications:
The total fund requirement is Rs. 2729.13 Crores and includes the cost of five GSLV vehicles, essential facility augmentation, Programme Management, and Launch Campaign along with the additional funds required for meeting the scope of the ongoing GSLV Continuation Programme.
Benefits:
The GSLV Continuation Programme - Phase 4 will meet the launch requirement of satellites for providing critical Satellite Navigation Services, Data Relay Communication for supporting the Indian Human spaceflight programme and the next interplanetary mission to Mars. This will also ensure the continuity of production in Indian industry.
Implementation Strategy and targets:
The GSLV Continuation Programme - Phase 4 will meet the demand for the launch of satellites at a frequency up to two launches per year, with maximal participation by the Indian industry. All the operational flights would be completed during the period 2021-24.
Major impact:
The operationalization of GSLV has made the country self-reliant in the launching capability of 2 tonne class of satellites for communication & meteorological satellites. The GSLV Continuation Programme will sustain & strengthen the capability and self-reliance in the launching of similar satellites for national requirements including next generation navigation satellites, data relay communication satellites and interplanetary missions.
Background:
GSLV has enabled independent access to space for 2 tonne class of satellites to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit . One of the very significant outcomes of the GSLV Continuation Programme is the mastering of the highly complex cryogenic propulsion technology, which is an essential technological capability to launch communication satellites to GTO. This has also paved the way for the development of a high thrust Cryogenic engine & stage for the next generation launch vehicle i.e. GSLV Mk-lll.
With the recent successful launch of GSLV-F11 on 19th December 2018, GSLV has successfully orbited 10 national satellites. GSLV with the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage has established itself as a reliable launch vehicle for communication, navigation and meteorological satellites and also to undertake future interplanetary missions.
GSLV Continuation Programme was initially sanctioned in 2003, and two phases have been completed and the third phase is in progress and expected to be completed by Q4 of 2020-21.
Prime Minister's Office
PM lauds cricket commentary in Sanskrit
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has appreciated efforts of the citizens to do cricket commentary in Sanskrit. He also shared his Mann Ki Baat clip where he had shared a similar effort in Kashi.
Quoting a tweeted by a citizen, the Prime Minister tweeted:
“This is heartening to see…Congrats to those undertaking this effort.
During one of the #MannKiBaat programmes last year I had shared a similar effort in Kashi. Sharing that as well.
https://t.co/bEmz0u4XvO”